Sloe gin isn’t always hanging out in everyone’s drink cabinet, and that’s okay. We’ve had our fair share of cocktail experiments where sloe gin wasn’t on hand, and spoiler—it’s not a dealbreaker.
You don’t need it to whip up an amazing drink. There are plenty of swaps that step in effortlessly and still keep your concoction tasting incredible.
We’ve tested, mixed, and sipped our way through some of the best substitutes, so you won’t have to guess which ones actually work.
From fruity flavors to bold alternatives, these swaps bring something fun and different to the table. If you’re ready to make your drinks shine without missing a beat, check out our list of must-try picks. Trust us, they’ll make you rethink missing sloe gin altogether.
7 Easy Substitutes for Sloe Gin
Here are the seven substitutes we’ll be diving into:
1 – Blackberry Brandy
It all started when I ran out of sloe gin and grabbed blackberry brandy instead. Turns out, it works like a charm. The fruity, deep berry flavors remind us of sloe gin, just a touch sweeter.
Use it in a 1:1 ratio. No special tricks needed. Its rich flavor blends well in cocktails where sloe gin shines.
Blackberry brandy is smoother and slightly syrupy. It adds just enough complexity without overpowering the drink.
We noticed it works best in classics like the Bramble or even simple spritzers. It keeps things bold and flavorful.
The sweetness might change your drink a bit, but it’s nothing wild. If less sweetness is your thing, adjust your mixer to balance it out.
Problem solved, and your cocktail still tastes great.
2 – Plum Brandy (Slivovitz)
For a slightly different take, try substituting sloe gin for plum brandy. It’s often called Slivovitz and has hints of fresh stone fruit flavor.
Plum brandy is produced in Eastern Europe and is a popular drink in countries like Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia.
Use it in the same ratio as sloe gin. Its subtle sweetness pairs well with citrus flavors, making it perfect for drinks like sours or fizzes.
It also brings a unique depth to cocktails that call for sloe gin as an ingredient.
3 – Cherry Liqueur
You’ll never believe how easy it is to use cherry liqueur instead of sloe gin. It’s sweet, fruity, and a bit tangy, giving your cocktails a whole new vibe. Use it in the same amount as you would sloe gin—no need to overthink it.
The cherry flavor adds a juicy kick to any drink. It works especially well in sour or citrus-based recipes. The boldness of the cherries pairs with lemon or lime without overpowering them.
Cherry liqueur is a little sweeter than sloe gin. Adjust the sweetness of your mixers if needed. Easy fix.
We’ve tried it in Brambles and spritzes. Works great. Also, it adds extra depth to sours. It’s simple and effective, making it a great backup for sloe gin.
4 – Raspberry Liqueur
If you’re looking for something sweet but not too intense, raspberry liqueur is a perfect substitute. Its light and slightly tangy flavor plays well in cocktails that call for sloe gin.
Use it in the same ratio as sloe gin when mixing your drinks. The fruity notes ring true with splashes of citrus flavors like lemon or lime.
It’s also tasty when paired with tonic water or soda, giving you effortless and refreshing sips without adding any extra sweetness.
Raspberry liqueur has a slight tartness to it that balances out nicely in cocktails. No need to fuss with adjusting mixers here.
5 – Grenadine
This one substitute will save your recipe—grenadine. It’s fruity, sweet, and super versatile. Grenadine works best as a 1:1 replacement for sloe gin in cocktails.
It brings out bold pomegranate and berry notes. The sweetness might feel a tad stronger, so adjust mixers slightly if needed.
We’ve tried it in drinks like Shirley Temples and Tequila Sunrises. It blends seamlessly and gives a vibrant pop of color.
Use it for a sweeter twist on your cocktails. Pair it with citrus or tonic, and it balances things out just fine.
Grenadine is simple, affordable, and always available. If you’re curious about more ways to use grenadine, check out this guide on grenadine alternatives for more ideas!
6 – Cassis (Blackcurrant Liqueur)
There’s one thing every cook needs to know about cassis—it’s bold, fruity, and makes an excellent stand-in for sloe gin. The rich blackcurrant flavor is sweeter and slightly deeper, which brings a unique twist to your cocktails.
Use cassis as a 1:1 substitute for sloe gin. Its dark berry taste works great with citrus juices or soda water. The sweetness is noticeable, so mixing it with tangier ingredients helps balance things out.
We’ve tried it in a Bramble and even a spritz-style drink. It adds a whole lot of color and an intense berry vibe. The texture feels smoother too, thanks to its syrupy consistency. Cassis might not mimic sloe gin perfectly, but it’s tasty, affordable, and easy to find at most stores.
7 – Port Wine
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap sloe gin with port wine. Port has a rich, fruity flavor with just enough sweetness to work. It’s smoother and warmer, which gives cocktails a cozy twist.
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting. Its bold taste pairs well with citrus and spice. The deep color also makes your drinks look fancy. It’s slightly heavier than sloe gin, so expect a thicker texture.
We tried it in a Negroni-style mix, and it totally worked. It’s not exactly the same, but port adds its own charm. Curious about more swaps? Check out our guide on port wine substitutes for great ideas.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.